The English were in their first Euro final and they were the favorites playing at London’s Wembley Stadium against Italy.
Sadly for them, their hunt for a first major tournament title since the 1966 World Cup continues.
Italy displayed great fighting spirit and steely self-belief to beat England is a thrilling match on Sunday that ended in penalties.
For Italy, it’s the second Euro triumph and first since 1968.
This result also extends its unbeaten team-record to 34 matches and counting.
England start brilliantly
Italy were in a state of shock in the first two minutes as England took the lead.
Kieran Trippier’s beautifully curved cross was intercepted by Luke Shaw who unleashed a powerful half-volley that crashed against the post and then deflected into the goal, leaving Donnarumma with no chance.
This was the fastest goal in the Euro finals history.
Then the Three Lions proceeded to sit back and defend the advantage until the Italians broke through for a 67th minute equalizer through Leonardo Bonucci.
The Italian defender bundled a loose ball across the line off a corner.
he Italians looked like the most likely team to score a second goal until late in extra time when England played with slightly more urgency.
The shootout, only the second in Euros history, was necessary after 120 minutes of action ended in a 1-1 draw.
Donnarumma shines
The giant AC Milan goal keeper is one of the best in the business and tonight, he showed why.
This was the second straight penalty kick shootout after the semi-final against Spain where again, Donnarumma was the star.
He had come up with a crucial save on Alvaro Morata’s penalty kick.
Today, Donnarumma stopped shots by England’s Jadon Sancho and clinched the win with a save on 19-year-old Bukayo Saka, who took England’s fifth and final penalty.
Marcus Rashford, who along with Sancho came into the match specifically for the shootout, hit the post on his attempt.
For Italy, Belotti missed after suffering a bout of nerves.
Even Jorginho failed to convert but Bernardeschi, Bonucci and Berrardi struck home.
For England, only Harry Kane and Harry Maguire were the the successful penalty kick takers.
Bonucci was chosen Star of the Match and Donnarumma received the Player of the Tournament for his outstanding displays in the set-final and final.
